“The NFL Arrest:New York Jets Cornerback Arrested For Cannabis By Breaking League Policies…Read more
“From Gridiron to Courtroom: NFL’s Tae Hayes Cut Amid Cannabis Arrest, Reflecting Shifting League Policies”
New York Jets cornerback Tae Hayes was arrested for possessing a small amount of cannabis over the weekend. He was briefly held in an Alabama jail from Saturday night to Sunday morning, then released on a $300 bond. The New York Jets acknowledged the incident, stating, “We are aware of the situation, and we will refrain from further comment as it is a pending legal matter.” On Monday afternoon, Jets team reporter Ethan Greenberg announced that the team had released Hayes, with no further explanation provided.
Hayes is charged with second-degree marijuana possession, a misdemeanor in Alabama, which could lead to up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $6,000. However, first-time offenders often receive lesser sentences such as probation.
The NFL’s stance on cannabis has evolved notably. Since 2021, players are tested for cannabis only once before training camp, with reduced penalties for positive tests. In 2023, the NFL and its players’ union funded over $1 million in research grants to investigate cannabinoids’ therapeutic benefits, particularly focusing on CBD as an alternative to opioids for pain management and concussion treatments. Early findings highlight CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties, benefiting athletes in physically demanding sports like football.
Cannabis policy reform seems imminent. Insights on this topic will be shared by industry leaders at the 19th Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference in Chicago on October 8-9.
Within the NFL, attitudes toward cannabis are gradually shifting, influenced by advocacy and entrepreneurship. Players and former players promote cannabis as a natural alternative for managing conditions like chronic pain, PTSD, and depression, which are often treated with addictive opioids and have various side effects.
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